Dubai’s private schools have been given three years to implement or strengthen academic and career guidance under a new framework from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The FutuReady Framework: The Dubai Standards for Academic Guidance and Career Readiness in Educational Institutions sets out nine standards for academic and career guidance.
The framework covers education from the early years through to graduation. It aims to help students make informed decisions about education and careers as the job market changes.
KHDA sets nine career guidance standards
The FutuReady framework includes structured academic and career guidance programmes. It also covers future skills, experiential learning and labour market insights.
In addition, schools are expected to build professional capacity and clearer pathways for students. The framework also calls for stronger family and community engagement.
Digital and AI-enabled guidance forms another part of the standards. Schools must also provide inclusive and student-centred support, including for students of determination.
KHDA has published handbooks for schools and higher education institutions. These documents outline expected practices and indicators for implementing the framework.
Schools given three years to implement standards
Dubai’s private schools will have three years to implement or further develop their academic and career guidance systems.
The KHDA will also conduct workshops for education leaders and practitioners. These sessions will explain the standards and offer practical guidance on implementation.
The move places career guidance within a wider education and workforce agenda. It also links schools more closely with the skills needed in Dubai’s future economy.
The framework aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy. Both initiatives focus on building skills and adaptability for high-growth sectors.
AI and labour market insights included
The new standards move career guidance beyond traditional choices around subjects, courses and universities.
Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said many future jobs do not yet exist.
“Academic and career guidance today must go beyond helping students choose subjects, programmes or universities,” she said.
Almaazmi said the framework aims to help young people manage uncertainty and develop transferable skills.
The standards also bring labour market information into the guidance process. This can give students a clearer view of how education choices connect with changing employment needs.
KHDA partners with NCDA
KHDA has also signed a collaboration agreement with the National Career Development Association (NCDA).
The partnership will support research and professional development in academic and career guidance. It will also support the implementation of the FutuReady framework across educational institutions.
Dr Brett Anderson, President-Elect of NCDA, said the collaboration would support guidance practices that help students make informed choices and prepare for their futures.
For Dubai’s private schools, the three-year window now provides time to assess existing career guidance programmes and align them with the new standards.
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